Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his third visit to Nepal since assuming office in 2014, stressed that Nepal is at the top of India's Neighbourhood First policy while announcing a Rs 100 crore package to develop Janakpur on Friday.

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his third visit to Nepal since assuming office in 2014, stressed that Nepal is at the top of India's Neighbourhood First policy while announcing a Rs 100 crore package to develop Janakpur on Friday.

A high layer of security has been maintained in Mustang in view of PM Modi’s visit to offer puja at Muktinath temple. Following the visit to Muktinath Temple, Modi will return to Kathmandu and offer prayers at the Pashupatinath temple. He is expected to hold several political meetings with leaders from various parties later in the day.

This is PM Modi's second meet with counterpart K P Sharma Oli in less than two months. The duo held extensive talks to improve bilateral ties. Nepal and India reached six major understandings so far.

In a series of tweet, the PM Modi hailed the ties between the two nations, commending the Himalayan nation for successfully holding elections to lauding the historic and cultural ties between the two neighbours.

Cultural relations are at the core of India-Nepal friendship. PM Oli and I talked about ways to increase our cultural linkages, especially through the development of Ramayana and Buddhist tourist circuits. We want more pilgrims and tourists to visit each other’s countries. pic.twitter.com/OBt6EBZBHp

During my talks with PM Oli, we reviewed the full range of our bilateral ties and the ground covered since our last meeting in Delhi. Cooperation in boosting connectivity, through waterways and railways was actively discussed. There were also deliberations to improve trade ties. pic.twitter.com/7q54TkR6vq